Nov 29
Stephen’s Teaview Snapshot
 | "This might pass as a somewhat drinkable Irish Breakfast, but as an Earl Grey it fails miserably. "
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After my last horrible experience with Harney & Sons tea, you might wonder why I've bothered to try another of their blends. Good question! That Organic Peppermint brew is still, to this day, one of the worst teas I've ever had the displeasure to taste.Well, it so happens that my darling wife picked up a canister of Harney & Sons Earl Grey Imperial during her last trip to the UK. She knows I'm a sucker for a good Earl Grey, and well, it came in a pretty tin and all so, why not? I'll admit to some raised eyebrows when she gave it to me, but I decided to be the good husband and brew it up regardless.
The verdict?
Well, its better than their Organic Peppermint. (Alas, that's about the only positive thing I can say about it.)
As Earl Greys go, this has perhaps the least amount of bergamot flavor of any tea I've ever tasted. The canister smells of bergamot, to be sure, but there's nary a whisp of it in the final brew. The result is a somewhat smoky, earthy and robust brew which if I didn't know better, I'd say was a medium-grade Irish Breakfast. Indeed, if it were labeled as Irish Breakfast I'd probably give it a much more favorable rating.
Unfortunately, as an Earl Grey its just not a satisfying cup of tea.
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Stephen Teaviews.com Reviewer » Read more about this reviewer on Stephen's profile page. » Find a list of recent posts by Stephen. |
January 6th, 2008 at 9:51 am
Two months ago I received a 4oz package of loose tea from Premium Steap, a tea shop in Philadelphia. It was their “Black (India) Flavored Earl Grey Fancy OP” (www.premiumsteap.com). It was my first experience with a “gourmet quality” Earl Grey. Very strong oil of Bergamot flavor. I love it. But without a frame of reference, I have no idea whether it’s too strong. So, on the recommendation of a friend, I mail ordered a tin of “Earl Grey Supreme” from Harney & Sons. The tin has a lovely Bergamot aroma. Unfortunately, it doesn’t translate to the brewed tea. It has a “tea” taste: think Lipton’s without the bitterness and no real Bergamot flavor. To me, tea brewed from Ahmad’s Earl Grey tea bags taste far superior! Too bad Jacksons of Piccadilly’s Earl Grey is no longer available. I’d love to try it.